Block 2019: Goose Tracks

Welcome to Block 2019! We’re exploring classic quilt blocks all year, and the seventh block is Goose Tracks. Part of the challenge of Block 2019 is to try different techniques and construction methods to grow and hone our skills as quilters. This month’s block has three construction methods to choose from.

Cutting Instructions:

Method 1: Patchwork

This is the most traditional way to make the Goose Tracks block, but with inset or Y-seams, it can be one of the more difficult methods. See the notes at the end of the section for tips to help with construction.

Create durable templates from the Patchwork printable. Measure the 1″ square to ensure the page printed the correct size.

The templates do not include the seam allowances, so leave space for seam allowances between shapes. On the wrong side of the fabric, trace the template to create the sewing line.

Trace the following using the templates:

Gray:
(4) A
(4) C
(8) B

Aqua:
(4) D
(4) F

Dark Teal:
(4) D
(4) F

Coral:
(1) A
(4) E

Add the seam allowances as you cut out the pieces.

To sew these seams, stitch only on the sewing lines and not into the seam allowances. On the wrong side of the patches, mark dots, 1/4” from the edges, to indicate the beginning and end of each set-in seam (fig. 1). Place 2 patches right sides together. Use pins to line up the dots on the 2 patches. Then sew from dot to dot, backstitching at the beginning and end, and taking care not to stitch into the seam allowance.

Use the diagram below as a guide for template placement.

By hand:

This block dates back to when all quilt blocks were hand sewn, so the block is actually easier to construct by hand than by machine. Remember not to press until the very end of sewing the block together. This allows for increased accuracy.

By machine:

Take your time and try a few of these tricks to make the block easier to piece. Decrease the stitch length on your machine to about 1.8 mm. Start a few stitches in front of the true starting point, sew to the starting point, pivot and sew down to the end. Use your handwheel at the beginning and end of seams for increased accuracy.

Section Construction

Follow the numbers of the FPP templates to complete each section. Make 4 of each section: A, B, C, D. Note that E isn’t pieced, but the paper helps line up that section during unit construction. Trim the sections to the seam allowance lines marked on the paper.

Unit Construction

Lining up the flat edges of a section A and section B, sew the sections together. Press seam towards section A or open.

Repeat for sections D and C. Press seam towards section D or open.

Sew section C to Section A. Press seam open.

Sew section E to the corner. Press the seam towards E.

Trim if needed to 5 1/2″ unfinished. Remove the paper from the back of the block to complete one Goose Track unit. Make 4 units.

Block Construction

Using the diagram below, orient the Goose Track units, gray 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ rectangles, and coral 2 1/2″ square. Sew the components together in rows, and then sew the rows together into the block.

And you’re all set!

Check back next week for some fun variations on the Goose Track block. You can always find links to all the previous Block 2019 blocks and see when the next installment is coming out in the main Block 2019 article, just click here.

As you finish your blocks, share them in the AQS Project Parade Facebook group, or use the hashtag #Block2019 and tag us @aqsonline because we can’t wait to see what you do!

Thanks for the question! I’ve updated the post with instructions for checking printing accuracy. Measure the B or D unit, they should be 2″ wide with the seam allowances. Have fun making Goose Tracks! -Emily

Vote Up0Vote Down Reply

2 months ago

Bev Bolduc Aldridge

Trying to post photo of all finished blocks to date in the Block 2019 Challenge.